The Paris Mountain 11k Trail Run is a great event that I can’t always do b/c of scheduling. The last time I did this race was 2008. I signed up last year, even showed up race day, but I knew I was pregnant at the time and made a last minute decision to bail. I was scared I’d fall and have an accident, and just didn’t want to risk it. I raced in 2008 and was still recovering from having my tail bone removed. I’d had dreams of having atleast the same time I had that year, these were great secret dreams.
The night before I felt pretty rotten. My stomachs been a little off and bothered by some of the medication I’m on right now. I just hoped the morning of was a little better. I woke up bright and early prepared to leave Wrigley at home. I had somewhere to be not too long after the race and was concerned I wouldn’t be able to drop her off at the house and be at my appointment on time. Sarah helped me make that decision after I saw the text from 3am. She wasn’t going to the race, so I’d be going solo. I’d originally hated the fact I was going to be leaving the dog at home so Sarah made the decision for me. Now that I wouldn’t be hanging out after the race and gossiping I’d have just enough time to bring Wrigley home.
Wrigley was quite cooperative and jumped right in the car w/o running and hiding from me. She does this from time to time, I still haven’t figured it out. I was able to get Addison in the car, dropped off at grandma’s, and he was as happy as could be when I left him. I got to the race site and it was still dark and COLD. I picked up my registration and decided to walk to the start and get my stretching over with. I’d grabbed my garmin at the last minute and was just hoping it wouldn’t distract me. I’ve never used it on the trails and was unsure of how accurate it would be. I started the race near the back and off to the side so Wrigley wouldn’t be in anyone’s way, I know how anal us athletes can be:)! I have to say, the one big difference in this race and the trail run I did a couple months ago is this time I didn’t pee myself. My muscles must be getting a little better.
Everyone starts to thin out a little as we hit the trail. I’m behind a group of 3 guys that I end up hanging onto for probably 3-4 miles. Their pace was a little conservative, yet there wasn’t really anywhere to go b/c their were people in front of them as well. The trails a single track the majority of the way, so passing has to be timed pretty well especially w/a dog beside you. I was surprised. I mean, I felt pretty good. We hit the climbs and people are literally climbing in spots and not running anymore. I was a little irritated at first, but I had forgotten how long the climb is and later realize I probably should have hung back. I end up passing a group on one climb and minutes later all I can think of is walking. I’m not doing it. I’m not doing it. Mind over matter. I was close to a crawl and at times could barely pick my feet up. I really had to focus.. . FINALLY we hit a flat stretch. I’m still not quite sure how one foot was moving in front of the other, and that’s probably what caused the smoothest face plant in history. Not to mention, the FASTEST RECOVERY! Now whether it was from pure competitiveness or sheer humiliation that caused the quick recovery, I don’t know. I don’t think the guy behind me got the sentence out asking if I was ok before I was standing back up and running. I’d been doing nothing but paying attention to effort. At one point I hear the mile indicator beep on my garmin and just out of curiousity I look at it, I’m at mile 5!!!! Yes, only 2 miles left! If it’s right . . . ugh. I sneak a peak at the time and start thinking that if I try to pick it up my time would be really close to my goal. This college kid and I have gone back and forth a couple times and I decide to just let him lead me in unless I start to feel real frisky. We pass a couple people, and one of the guys tries to pass me back. Insert someone else eating dirt. I try not to laugh, but I really do find it funny. I know, I’m sick. Mile 6 alarm couldn’t go off any sooner, I’m starting to feel those hills. My legs feel ok, but the light step isn’t really there. Mentally, I’m ready to do a marathon. Physically, it seems the body is saying something different. I suck it up and push on. Around the corner, just another corner. I hear the people, I know this course. I try to give one last push, and when I cross that finish line I am done! 1:14:50 (i think).
My garmin says something different . . . let’s just say another triathlete I know was a little irresponsible and decided to take her dogs on a hike OFF LEASH on the same course the run was on. Yes, I stopped. She had her hands quite full w/a large dog and the smaller one was chasing everyone including me and Wrigley. I like the girl, but I’m a large advocate of leash laws for this reason. I was about a minute and half off my goal time. The dog chase certainly wouldn’t have made that kind of difference. I pushed on this run. I was reserved when I needed to be (majority of time), and really pushed when I had it to push. Right now I go off of effort, no real time goals outside of dreams:). I want to get back to the point where I can test my limits and see what my body can do, and I accomplished that. How do I know? I can barely walk, and stairs feel like I just did an Ironman. I kid you not, I haven’t been this sore since IMKY last year. One perk, after I got home I was told I actually placed 2nd in my age group.
I didn’t set out for this race to be a PR or anything like that, I think I just wanted see what I was made of. I’m excited. Excited to see some improvement in how I feel when I run. It’s nice to know that I’m mentally where I need to be to race, for today. I have to say I absolutely love doing trail runs to mix things up, and its just so beautiful. It was great to see Wrigley in her element. She’s a trail runners dream. She responds to a mere tap on the leash, is so nimble on her feet, and she’s a great cushion! I have a half marathon trail run in Spartanburg this Saturday, and can’t wait. I can only hope I move a little quicker by then. OH, I almost forgot, I have officially put Thrill of the Hills marathon trail run on my schedule for February. Any takers on joining me . . . ???
Big thanks to Donna and Papa for watching Addison, you’re a great help! The only drawback to trail running is the stroller isn’t quite compatible.
